Graves End (2005) Reviews

• God Sees the Truth and Waits; So Does the Devil

  claudio_carvalho2008-05-31

  In Graves End, the four year-old son of the wealthy financier Tag Graves (Eric Roberts) is kidnapped and the criminals demand a ransom of six million dollars. FBI agent Paul Rickman (Steven Williams) is assigned to the case that ends with the cruel death of the child and the disappearance of the requested amount. The kidnapper Luke Devilyn (Nick Stellate) is arrested but is released after his trial due to fails in the evidences. He returns to Graves End, a place where the 666 dwellers welcome ex-cons rejected by other towns. When Luke Devilyn is found dead in the woods nearby the town, agent Rickman notes that the criminals that move to Graves End simply vanish, and he returns to the town for further investigation. He meets Sheriff Hooper (Daniel Roebuck) and recognizes him from a case of bad temper and attitude with great repercussion in the past. Meanwhile, the psychopath Billy (Sky Soleil) also comes to the town leaving a trail of blood behind. "Graves End" is a surprisingly good low-budget movie. The story of a town of vigilantes is engaging and full of twists. The theme shows how corrupted, unfair and inefficient justice may be in many societies, actually a battle of paperwork and lawyers seeking a breach in laws and money, but never justice. I found the unfaithful behavior of Krissi unnecessary, acting like a slut instead of a grieving mother, but never for moral reasons. The plot is well resolved, the conclusion is excellent and I really liked this movie. My vote is seven. Title (Brazil): "Vingança Sangrenta" ("Bloody Revenge")

• A must see film!

  laurelk2005-05-13

  Friends saw this movie at the Chicago Horror Film Festival in April 2005 and urged me to go see it when it showed on the west coast. I saw the film at the Santa Cruz Film Festival in early May 2005 and enjoyed it so much that I went to the second showing the next day along with a number of friends. This horror/thriller has unexpected twists and turns in the plot, and I had not guessed "who done it". This campy movie was sometimes scary,sometimes comical, and always entertaining. GO SEE IT! Eric Roberts and FBI Agent Steven Williams gave outstanding performances as did Sheriff Dan Roebuck. I also enjoyed most of the other characters, especially Maudy - very colorful, especially with the flower in her hair. I hope they do a sequel and in the meantime I'll await the DVD of this one. The movie was filmed in Santa Cruz they say -great setting! Loved the place it was filmed, especially the Great Hall with all the trophy's. Definitely a must see film!

• Great cast! Great movie! Great time!

  davedennis572005-10-25

  I read a few user comments about "Graves End" and was intrigued. When I read about Daniel Roebuck in the Pantagraph, I decided, what the hey, I'll go watch that movie. I was really surprised to see a lot of the cast at our local movie theater. It was so cool! Daniel Roebuck, Steven Williams and Fairly Tull were really the nicest people. The director, James Marlowe was hilarious and the producers were equally fun. I thought, wow, they sure are cool people, I hope they made a decent film. I can tell you this, "Graves End" was not only decent, it was EXCELLENT!!! The movie gets you going from the very beginning and the humor is terrific. There are a lot of twists and turns but that's half the fun. Eric Roberts is a fabulous actor but Steven Williams really steals the show. Okay, it's no big Hollywood blockbuster but it has something I haven't seen lately and that's a PLOT! When the movie ended there was a thunderous applause and the cast did a great Q&A with the audience. What a terrific time I had! I wished I'd gone with some friends! Now I want it to come out in movie theaters and tell my buddies I was there first. Go see "Graves End" and have a good time. DD in Bloomington, IL

• I loved the movie

  anneandjoachim2005-09-16

  I have rarely enjoyed independent films, but I had a feeling about this one, that it was different, and liking Eric Roberts, and having seen several of other actors on TV, especially Valerie Akita on jenny Jones, and the series 21 jump street, etc. I decided to take a chance. the film was as good as if it were produced by warner brothers or any other large movie company. there was never a dull moment. the acting was superb, the actors definitely believable, and I never figured out who the real bad guy was. it is boring when you can figure it out. I saw it at the 3 penny cinema on the north side of Chicago, and would like very much to get a copy on a DVD or video if it ever comes out. I would definitely see it again it if shows in a neighborhood near me. To tell you the truth, I don't remember when I have enjoyed a movie more, not lately. carol Ann gager

• Good story, well told

  chtull2005-06-07

  I enjoyed the movie enormously. The plot was very interesting, and the acting was excellent--especially Dan Roebuck and my wife, Fairly Tull. Stephen Williams was wonderful in his role as well. The movie was a bit gory (but not overdone), and very suspenseful with delightful twists and a large dose of humor. The cinematography and sound were superb, as were the authentic locations and sets used. I was also impressed with the performances of the background actors who were all very much into their scenes. They gave their very best, which is a testament to the director's talent and his sincere interest in the wellbeing of his entire cast and crew. I saw the film twice and can recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspense thrillers done in a skillful, campy, funny, and scary manner.